Raising chickens in California can be a rewarding pastime, providing fresh eggs and companionship for all ages.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been keeping chickens for years, finding quality chicken hatcheries in the Golden State is an essential first step.
With so many to choose from, it’s important to know what you’re looking for when it comes to selecting a hatchery that meets your needs.
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How to Choose the Right California Hatchery for You
When selecting a hatchery in California, there are several factors to consider.
The most important is the location and distance from your home or farm. This will determine how quickly you will receive your chicks if they are shipped and whether or not you can pick up your order directly from the hatchery itself.
Next, consider what breeds they carry and whether they offer specific classes, such as show quality birds or eggs that are suitable for hatching by yourself at home.
It is also important to consider the health of their stock – ask questions about vaccination protocols and disease testing procedures in place at each hatchery before ordering any birds or eggs from them.
Finally, take a look at reviews online – many people post reviews of their experiences with different hatcheries, which can give you an insight into customer service and general satisfaction levels across different breeders around the state.
Listings For Chicken Hatcheries in California
| Name | Address | Phone Number | Website |
| AGA Ranch | Sun Valley, CA | 818-968-1282 | agaranch.com (URL restricted to local visitors) |
| Amber Waves | Norco, CA | 951-736-1076 | amberwaves-653881.square.site |
| Belt Hatchery | Fresno, CA | 559-264-2090 | belthatchery.com |
| California Hatchery | Rancho Cucamonga, CA | 530-413-8257 | californiahatchery.com |
| Dare 2 Dream Farms | Lompoc. CA | 805-735-3233 | dare2dreamfarms.com |
| Maust’s California Poultry | Chino, CA | 909-517-3914 | facebook.com/MaustCaliforniaPoultry |
| Metzer Farms | Gonzales, CA | 800-424-7755 | metzerfarms.com |
| Mill Valley Chickens | Marin County, CA | 415-389-8216 | millvalleychickens.com |
| OC Seramas | Orange County, CA | 714-516-1235 | ocseramas.com |
| The Poultry Palace | Placerville, CA | 530-363-5981 | thepoultrypalace.com |
| Shogun Silkies | Madera, CA | 559-517-4127 | shogunsilkiesfarm.weebly.com |
| Sunny Side Up Ranch | Lake Elsinore, CA | 949-939-9947 | sunnysideupranch.com |
What to Look for When Buying Chicks
When purchasing chicks from any hatchery in California, there are certain considerations that should be taken into account, regardless of which breed or class you choose.
It is essential that chicks come vaccinated against common diseases such as Marek’s Disease and infectious bronchitis before leaving the facility. Ask your chosen breeder about their vaccination protocol before committing to any purchases so that you can ensure your new birds will arrive healthy and happy!
Don’t forget to take a look at feed recommendations provided by each breeder – different classes may require slightly different diets than average backyard chickens, so make sure they provide appropriate feeding advice before making any decisions regarding buying chicks from them!
Price
Trying to price a chick is like playing the stock market – some days, you get lucky, and others, not so much.
There are loads of factors that can impact your decision – from where you buy them (hatchery) to what breed they are.
The more common breeds won’t break the bank, but if it’s something exotic, then expect hefty bills looming on the horizon. So choose wisely when deciding which fluffballs come home with you!
The Advantages of the NPIP Program
California’s participation in the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) ensures that all commercial poultry entering or moving within state borders has been tested and certified free of certain disease organisms prior to arrival at its destination site.
This greatly reduces the chances of exposing backyard flocks or large-scale commercial farms to these pathogens – something which is particularly essential given California’s high-density human population areas where diseases could easily spread if not appropriately managed through preventative measures like those offered via NPIP certification!
Conclusion
Making the decision to start raising chickens is a big one, but it’s also an exciting one! These amazing creatures will provide you with fresh eggs, hours of companionship, and a real sense of connection to the natural world.
Once you’ve decided to take the plunge, the next step is finding quality chicken hatcheries in California so you can get your flock started off on the right foot.
With our helpful guide, you’ll know exactly what to look for when choosing a hatchery that meets your needs. And once you have your chicks in hand, be sure to check out our tips for taking care of them so they can grow up healthy and happy!
Photo by Tony Pham on Unsplash
